Lagos, Nigeria – The National Institute of Sport inside the National Stadium, Surulere, was transformed yesterday into the epicentre of Nigeria’s fight against hunger as the MATAN Food Bank Professionals Association of Nigeria concluded its three‑day flagship ceremony. The event, marked by a symbolic flag‑off, launched the MATAN Food Foundation’s project operations, unveiled the Automated MATAN Food Security Initiative (AMFSI) and the MATAN E‑Transportation System (METS), presented national and state executives, and hosted extensive media and photo sessions.
Chief Charles Ugochukwu Igbenaggo, speaking at the opening, described the gathering as a beacon of hope, “bringing light to Nigeria” with an unprecedented model focused on grassroots food security. He emphasised that hunger remains a critical barrier to national development, noting that even when money exists, food can be scarce or unaffordable. MATAN’s structure, already embedded down to the ward level—in every local government and community—positions it to deliver nutrition directly where it is needed most, beginning with the South‑East where all 17 LGAs in Enugu State now host MATAN chapters.
Chrislance Onyemechara, Senior Consultant to the House Committee on Nutrition and Food Security, underscored the alignment between MATAN’s activities and the committee’s mandate. Under the chairmanship of Rt. Hon. Dikinchike John Oka, the committee was established to push nutrition programmes to villages and wards, treating MATAN as an on‑ground extension that can reach all 774 LGAs.
Ambassador Felix Johnson Osakure, Board of Trustees General Secretary, declared that hunger is Nigeria’s biggest challenge and that MATAN Foodbank is poised to grant every citizen access to food. With representatives from every LGA in attendance, he announced an initial target of securing food for 40 million Nigerians, in partnership with the Federal Government, National Assembly, state governors, and youth groups.
Earlier, the Group National President, Ambassador Johnson Olakunle Moses, highlighted tangible achievements from the three‑day programme, including successful advocacy that led to the presidential signing of a tax reform bill eliminating multiple taxation that previously hampered food‑security projects. Phase 2, the Automated Matern Food Security Initiative, was unveiled, featuring a multipurpose digital ID capable of functioning offline to serve network‑limited areas, alongside plans for community food banks, street kitchens, and house‑to‑house delivery.
The event also saw the presentation of certificates to newly appointed national and state executives, reinforcing the organization’s structured rollout. Senator Joshua M. Lidani, Hon. Akiba Bassey, Hon. Aruna Gowon, and other dignitaries, including traditional leaders and representatives from the Northwest Zone, attended, signalling broad political and community support.
Ambassador Olakunle Moses affirmed investor confidence, noting commitments from local and international partners, while stressing that the initiative is driven by both public and private sectors to ensure sustainability. Training sessions for landlords, tenants, and community leaders on the digital ID system are already underway, aiming to empower grassroots stakeholders to manage food distribution autonomously.
Ambassador Osakure reiterated that change begins at the grassroots, urging citizens, especially youths, to rally behind the programme. He called on state and local governments to amplify support, emphasizing that collective action can transform food availability into a catalyst for peace and security.
Chief Igbenaggo concluded with a rallying message: “Food first, then housing; everything else follows.” He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, legislators, traditional leaders, and all partners for their unwavering commitment.
The three‑day event has set a clear roadmap: immediate rollout of AMFSI/METS across all states, establishment of community food banks, and expansion of the digital ID ecosystem to cover every household. With the flag now raised, MATAN Food Bank Professionals Association of Nigeria stands poised to rewrite the narrative of hunger in the nation.
The event was attended by Senator Joshua M. Lidani, Hon. Akiba Bassey, Hon. Aruna Gowon, His Royal Majesty King Charles Chukwunwike Anyasi III, Alhaji Abba Imam, Dr. Faruk Goni, Amb. Alhaji Nasiru Musa Umar, Adm. Egent Millicent, Hon. Com. David Ikpe Idah, Aisha Nakoji, Dr. Lesley Snead, and numerous other dignitaries.
